Tropical Expedition 
Diving 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
Seychelles to Sri Lanka Expedition
Victoria, Mahé - Colombo
Dates:
4/1/2024
to
19/1/2024
days
nights on board
The Indian Ocean is a huge expanse scattered with thousands of lush islets crowned with immaculate sand, inviting you on an unexpected, intriguing and captivating interlude. From the Seychelles to Sri Lanka via the Maldives, set off aboard Le Jacques-Cartier for an all-new 16-day expedition cruise, featuring wild untouched nature and a cultural mosaic of countless of scents and colours.
Victoria, on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, will mark the starting point of your immersion into the heart of the Indian Ocean. In this veritable paradise, you will sail among the captivating archipelago’s most idyllic islets. Praslin and its splendid Vallée de Mai nature reserve, a natural sanctuary with biodiversity unlike anywhere else. Then, Aride Island, the northernmost in the Seychelles, floating on the ocean like a preserved paradise where thousands of endemic birds whirl around above the lush canopy. On Curieuse Island, the age-old Aldabra giant tortoises with their majestic gait are fascinating. Finally La Digue, the last port of call in the Seychelles, a playground for many underwater species that can be seen during diving sessions into the captivating abysses of the Indian Ocean.
You will continue to experience a sense of wonder in this tropical vastness as you follow the warm waters of the ocean. A sprinkling of islands lined with tall coconut trees, the Maldives will transport you into a marvellous world of 1,200 captivating islets and 19 atolls protected by coral reefs. Between ribbons of immaculate sand and crystal-clear waters, you will criss-cross atolls that are ranked among the most beautiful on the planet. Rasdhoo will amaze with its sublime lagoon where hammerhead sharks, turtles and colourful fish weave, flit and wind their way between the majestic coral surrounding the atoll; Baa and its sumptuous atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, edged by long sandy expanses. Both will plunge you into a palette of blue where the watchwords are ‘contemplation’ and ‘escape’.
Resembling a pearl from India, Sri Lanka will reveal its treasures. Here, the scents of cinnamon, cardamom and curry will ignite your senses; the monumental ochre-coloured temples will captivate; and the generosity of the inhabitants will fascinate. In Galle, the Old Town and its 18th-century fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bear witness to the Portuguese and Dutch heritage that still has a strong presence in the city’s little streets. From Hambantota, the Yala National Park unfolds before you. Exploring it will take you deep into vibrant nature, teeming with wild species: leopards, sloth bears, mongooses, monkeys, buffalos and more.
At the crossroads of the maritime trade between Europe and Asia, Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, will mark the end of this unique adventure, with its various colours and perfumes.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EX040124
Your itinerary
An all-new cruise discovering the treasures of Sri Lanka and the magnificent idyllic islets with captivating underwater life of the Seychelles and the Maldives. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables...
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Your trip in detail
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L'AUSTRAL
28/6/2023 to the 12/7/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
L'AUSTRAL
10/8/2023 to the 26/8/2023
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
11/9/2023 to the 5/10/2023
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving & initiation dive
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
- If two Stars CMAS or PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean
The fauna of the Indian Ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, oriental sweetlips, blackspotted sweetlips, batfish and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish, rainbow runner as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
|
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
|
Seychelles – Victoria Mahé |
NO |
NO |
|
Seychelles – Praslin Island |
YES |
YES |
|
Seychelles – Aride Island |
NO |
NO |
|
Seychelles – Curieuse Island |
YES |
NO |
|
Seychelles – La Digue Island |
YES |
YES |
|
Maldives – Rasdhoo Atoll |
YES |
NO |
|
Maldives – Rasdhoo Atoll |
YES |
NO |
|
Maldives – Baa Atoll |
YES |
YES |
|
Sri Lanka – Galle |
NO |
NO |
|
Sri Lanka – Hambantota |
YES |
NO |
|
Sri Lanka – Colombo |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
Excellence and Passion packages must be pre-booked with your travel consultant before departure. Beyond that, all reservations will be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Introductory dives, Exploration dives and Discovery packages must be organized on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
- Introductory dive:
- Introductory dive (1 dive): €80
- Discovery Package (2 dives) : €150
- Certified divers :
- Exploration (1 dive) : €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives) : €225
- Passion Package (6 dives) : €420
Highlights
- An all-new cruise discovering the treasures of Sri Lanka and the magnificent idyllic islets with captivating underwater life of the Seychelles and the Maldives.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- During snorkelling sessions, the opportunity to observe magnificent underwater scenery sheltering exceptional biodiversity: manta rays, Humphead wrasse, hammerhead sharks, marine turtles, coral and more.
- The Aride Island Nature Reserve, the jewel of Seychellois nature, with 73 hectares of colourful vegetation and more than a million birds.
- The red and bare lands of the Seychelles’ granitic island, Curieuse Island.
- The possibility of seeing the Aldabra giant tortoises on Aride and Curieuse Islands.
- Discovering Anse Source d’Argent, a famous beach surrounded by large granite blocks and fringed with coconut trees, on the island of La Digue.
- The Yala National Park, a nature sanctuary with abundant biodiversity reputed for sheltering one of the world’s largest leopard populations.
- From Hambantota, the opportunity to explore the Udawalawe National Park, where over 400 wild elephants roam in total freedom.
- Possibility of diving (Level 2 or CMAS 2-star diver or equivalent required) and snorkelling.
- Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
4 January 2024 - Victoria, Mahé
Embarkation 4/1/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 4/1/2024 at 6:00 pm
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
5 January 2024 - Praslin Island
Arrival 5/1/2024
Departure 5/1/2024
Situated some forty kilometres away from Victoria, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine the Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkelling. In the centre of the island, hidden in the heart of a stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.
6 January 2024 - Aride Island
Arrival 6/1/2024
Departure 6/1/2024
Aride is an island in the Seychelles situated a few kilometres north-west of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital”, it is home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it is the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches.
6 January 2024 - Curieuse Island
Arrival 6/1/2024
Departure 6/1/2024
Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it is home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while scuba diving or snorkelling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. It is highly likely that you will get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it is also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.
7 January 2024 - La Digue Island
Arrival 7/1/2024
Departure 7/1/2024
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
8 January 2024 11 January 2024 - At sea
Arrival 8/1/2024
Departure 11/1/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
12 January 2024 13 January 2024 - Rasdhoo Atoll
Arrival 12/1/2024
Departure 13/1/2024
Rasdhoo is one of the smallest atolls in the Maldives. Once occupied by Buddhist communities, the atoll is made up of five islands, two of which are uninhabited. Sitting at the heart of a stunning lagoon protected by a coral reef, this atoll is truly a paradise for lovers of the underwater world. It is an ideal location for scuba diving and snorkelling, offering the possibility of observing species that are emblematic of the Maldives, such as hammerhead sharks, rays, and turtles.
14 January 2024 - Baa Atoll
Arrival 14/1/2024
Departure 14/1/2024
At the heart of the Indian Ocean, discover Baa Atoll in the Maldives. This exceptional site, listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, is a perfectly preserved tropical paradise. The fifty-odd islets that make up the atoll offer visitors long stretches of white sand and beaches with crystal-clear water, lined with palm trees. While snorkelling or scuba diving, you will have the chance to observe the magnificence of the marine life, which includes coral, whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
15 January 2024 - At sea
Arrival 15/1/2024
Departure 15/1/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
16 January 2024 - Galle
Arrival 16/1/2024
Departure 16/1/2024
Discover Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities. Thanks to its commercial port, from which were exported spices and precious stones, Galle was once the country’s most major city. Colonised by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch, today it still bears traces of this colonial past. When your ship calls here, have a wander around the old town and its fortifications, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, they are perfectly preserved. To learn more about daily and rural life in Sri Lanka, do not miss the visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum in Koggala, not far from Galle.
17 January 2024 18 January 2024 - Hambantota
Arrival 17/1/2024
Departure 18/1/2024
This large fishing harbour of Malay origin lies on the southern coast of the former Ceylon. Established between two lagoons, Hambantota is known for the presence of wild elephants, whose population represents 10% of the total number in the country. This abundant wildlife can be observed a few kilometres away, in Yala National Park, the second largest park in Sri Lanka. This wildlife sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to admire the myriad rare animals that live there. Sloth bears, mongooses, crocodiles, monkeys, and buffaloes live in this place where it is not uncommon to happen upon elegant leopards while out walking. The tropical rainforests are also a refuge for more than two hundred bird species. A veritable Eden for biodiversity and an extraordinary part of the world to explore.
19 January 2024 - Colombo
Arrival 19/1/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 19/1/2024 at 7:00 am
A former trading post along the Silk Route, the old quarter of Colombo offers you the fabulous sight of its picturesque streets. The city was known to Arab, Persian and Chinese traders as early as the 8th century and this former village, nestled between two dunes, was a trading post on the mythical Spice Route. Today the economic capital of Sri Lanka, the city offers picture-postcard scenery with its beaches stretching languorously along the south-western coast of the country. Here the sand dazzles you and the sea invites you to dream...
Le Jacques-Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.